The art of making blue glaze pottery came to Rajasthan via Kashmir, their entry point into India. The name comes from the eye-catching Persian blue dye used to color the clay. The Jaipur blue pottery, made out of Egyptian paste, is glazed and low-fired. Some of this pottery is semi-transparent and mostly decorated with animal, bird and flower motifs. Being fired at very low temperature makes them fragile. The range of items is primarily decorative, such as ashtrays, vases, coasters, small bowls and boxes for trinkets etc. The color palette is restricted to blue derived from the cobalt oxide, green from the copper oxide and white, though other non- conventional colors, such as yellow and brown are sometimes included. The revival of tile-making began in the late 19th century, and Jaipur became the center of a thriving industry producing blue ware. The traditional Persian designs have now been adapted to please a more sophisticated clientele. Apart from the usual urns, jars, pots and vases, you can now find tea sets, wall hangings,Trays and other home decors. |